If you are keen to train as a nurse but have already done a degree in another subject read on to find out what your training options are. There are a number of routes into nursing for graduates. Which route is right for you will depend on what you have studied and which branch of nursing you want to enter. There are four branches of nursing: adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities. Each one offers different options for nurses but adult branch nursing offers the most general training (and it is often possible to take a shortened course afterwards to gain second registration in another branch). Make sure you consider all your options carefully before making your choice.

The accelerated programme

A number of fast-track nursing courses exist for those graduates who have a relevant degree. These courses can lead to a diploma, a postgraduate diploma or a masters degree depending upon the individual university. Relevant degrees are usually health related or biology based but degrees in social sciences are also often considered to be relevant. If your degree doesn’t fit into one of these categories, don’t automatically assume that it isn’t relevant. Graduates of geography and music degree courses, for example, have previously been accepted onto the fast-track nursing programme at the University of Sheffield. This was based on their ability to demonstrate the relevance of their course to the nursing degree. The geography graduate was able to highlight the social dimension of their degree, while the music graduate showed that the performance element of their degree (where they had to receive criticism, reflect on performance and develop practice) was very similar to the style of learning they would experience in a clinical setting. 

If you aren’t sure whether your degree is relevant or not, get in touch with the admissions officer to discuss your individual circumstances. Because entry requirements differ between higher education institutions, it could be worth contacting several course providers for advice. Accelerated programmes usually last for a minimum of 24 monthsand will include six months on the Common Foundation Programme (CFP), which aims to prepare students for nursing practice, and a further 18 months on the relevant nursing branch. Fees for diplomalevel courses are funded by the NHS, with a means-tested bursary to help with living costs.

Other options for graduates with a non-related degree

If you are a graduate with a nonrelevant degree, there are two options open to you. You can choose to take either a three-year Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (ADNS), or a full-length undergraduate degree course. In both cases the NHS will pay your tuition fees and completion of the course will lead to qualification as registered nurse. The degree programme, however, usually requires A level qualifications for entry with living costs funded by a means-tested bursary, while the diploma has lower entry requirements with living costs funded via a non-means-tested bursary. There may also be differences in course content so check carefully which is the right option for you and don’t forget that with the diploma you may also be able to take a topup course later on to convert it to a degree. Entry requirements will differ between higher education institutions so contact servieral course providers for advice.

What to expect from your training

No matter which route into nursing you take, your course will always include placements in local hospital and community settings. Programmes will consist of 50 per cent theoretical learning and 50 per cent practical experience, for example supervised nursing practice. At the start of your training, the Common Foundation Programme (CFP) will introduce the basic principles of nursing and you will spend either six months or a year on it, depending on whether you are on a shortened programme or a full length course. After the CFP you will begin to specialise in one of the branches of nursing: adult, children’s, mental health or learning disability nursing. On completion of your course you will gain both an academic qualification (either a diploma or degree) and also a professional qualification, as your registration with the NMC enables you to practise as a nurse.

With thanks to Hilary Whorrall, careers adviser at the University of Sheffield, for her help with this article.